What kind of time demand can I expect from National Guard Special Forces?

William McCutcheon — Tue, 05 May 2020 09:16:03 -0400

I am planning on joining the National Guard through an 18x contract this year. I am 31, in North Carolina, self employed, and have two young children and a wife. I have always wanted to serve my country in my highest capacity, and the National Guard SEEMED to be a way to serve and still have time for family. I understand the training to become special forces is a timeline of over 2+ years. My main question is-after joining the 20th special forces unit in SC or WV, how much time on average would the unit require from me? The national guard makes it sound like it's one weekend a month and three weeks a year in the summer. I've heard others say its three to four weekends a month with long training once a year. I need to gather all the information I can before making a decision that is best for my family. I will more than likely go 11B for primary MOS, but I want more for myself ultimately. Any advice is very appreciated especially by those who have been in the guard. Thank you all.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2020 9:43 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2020 09:43:16 -0400

I can't speak of the SF portion of the National Guard...but I can tell you that National Guard and Reserves are no longer just one weekend a month. The time required will vary, but you will be required to complete tasks outside of the weekend duties. Especially when you get into a leadership position. Expect your time to be halved for the month. About half your time for a month will be devoted to military duties. And those duties will vary.

Response by LCpl Russell Wallace made May 5 at 2020 11:01 AM

LCpl Russell Wallace — Tue, 05 May 2020 11:01:51 -0400

Don’t expect too much

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2020 11:17 AM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2020 11:17:27 -0400

Don't know, but generally you get out of something what you put in. It's not a hobby. Good luck.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2020 12:16 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2020 12:16:03 -0400

Below is one link and you can search for other National Guard Special Forces posts. With possible deployments and additional training, there is no way to know for sure what the time demands would be for you after training. With a wife and two young children, make the best decision for your family.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/does-anyone-have-experience-with-the-national-guard-s-19th-or-20th-special-forces-groups

Does anyone have experience with the National Guard's 19th or 20th Special Forces Groups? |...

I am currently a full time active California Peace Officer with 5+ years of experience. Additionally, I am a 28 year old E-5 in the Army National Guard with 8 years of service as an MP with 2 deployments. There are 2 aspects to this question. The first would be getting some information on the process and timeline for a currently serving National Guard soldier with high PT and marksmanships, as well as no flags or disciplinary issues.The second...

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made May 5 at 2020 12:45 PM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Tue, 05 May 2020 12:45:15 -0400

Are these the guys with the Two-handed shovels?

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 5 at 2020 10:03 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 05 May 2020 22:03:01 -0400

After the two-plus years it will take for 11B OSUT, Airborne, SOPC, SFAS, SFQC, when you get to your NG SF company you are looking at a drill schedule that might be 2 day drill, 4 day drill, no drill, 6 day drill, etc.
Also either a 3-6 week school, or a 3 week JCET, or 3 week CONUS exercise every year.
Sometimes it might be a 3-6 week school AND a 3 week exercise in the same year.
And a deployment every 3-4 years.

Response by MAJ Ron Peery made May 8 at 2020 4:26 PM

MAJ Ron Peery — Fri, 08 May 2020 16:26:29 -0400

I was in 12th Group in OKC 1980 to 1982. Aside from the usual drill weekends, we all put in lots of "love time" during the rest of the month. Always good training. On average, I'd say I spent at least one week each month on various projects and additional training. In addition, now you have to contend with active duty deployments. In 2006, I served alongside an ODA from 20th Gp in Afghanistan training the ANA. Plan on a large time investment, and make sure your wife is up for it. Best of luck.